Konta's KO clout carries her through

A relieved Johanna Konta on Monday became the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 1984 when she came through a three-set slugfest at the Australian Open, afterwards exclaiming: "Goodness gracious!"

The unseeded Konta, ranked No 47 in the world, ground down Russian 21st seed Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 in three hours, four minutes at Margaret Court Arena - the second longest women's match of the tournament.

The draining victory marked the Australia-born 24-year-old's furthest progression at a Grand Slam, and is the best British effort at a major since Jo Durie made the Wimbledon quarterfinals 32 years ago..